Apparatus for endoscopic procedures

ABSTRACT

A surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes a jaw assembly defining a first longitudinal axis and including a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw; an elongated body defining a second longitudinal axis and coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly, wherein the jaw assembly is configured to articulate about an articulation axis transverse to the second longitudinal axis relative to the elongated body; and a handle assembly coupled to a proximal end of the elongated body and including at least one motor mechanically coupled to the jaw assembly and a control assembly including a first control button and a second control button, wherein actuation of the first control button moves the second jaw in approximation relative to the first jaw and actuating the second control button moves the second jaw away from the first jaw, and actuating the first and second control buttons moves the jaw assembly to a centered position in which the first and second longitudinal axes are substantially aligned, the handle assembly further includes an illumination member configured to output a light pattern indicative of a status of the surgical instrument.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/669,253 filed on Jul. 9, 2012, the entirecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical apparatuses, devices and/orsystems for performing endoscopic surgical procedures and methods of usethereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates toelectromechanical, hand-held surgical apparatus, devices and/or systemsconfigured for use with removable disposable loading units and/or singleuse loading units for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue.

2. Background of Related Art

A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lineswith proprietary drive systems for operating and/or manipulatingelectromechanical surgical devices. In many instances theelectromechanical surgical devices include a reusable handle assembly,and disposable or single use loading units. The loading units areselectively connected to the handle assembly prior to use and thendisconnected from the handle assembly following use in order to bedisposed of or in some instances sterilized for re-use.

Many of these electromechanical surgical devices include complex drivecomponents that utilize a variety of user interfaces that accept userinputs (e.g., controls) for controlling the devices as well as providefeedback to the user. A need exists for electromechanical surgicalapparatus, devices and/or systems having improved user interfaces.

SUMMARY

Further details and aspects of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention are described in more detail below with reference to theappended Figures.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical deviceis provided. The surgical device includes a jaw assembly defining afirst longitudinal axis and including a first jaw and a second jawmoveable relative to the first jaw; an elongated body defining a secondlongitudinal axis and coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly,wherein the jaw assembly is configured to articulate about anarticulation axis transverse to the second longitudinal axis relative tothe elongated body; and a handle assembly coupled to a proximal end ofthe elongated body and including at least one motor mechanically coupledto the jaw assembly and a control assembly including a first controlbutton and a second control button, wherein actuation of the firstcontrol button moves the second jaw in approximation relative to thefirst jaw and actuating the second control button moves the second jawaway from the first jaw, and actuating the first and second controlbuttons moves the jaw assembly to a centered position in which the firstand second longitudinal axes are substantially aligned.

The control assembly further includes a first rocker switch, whereinactuation thereof is configured to articulate the jaw assembly about thearticulation axis.

The jaw assembly is further configured to pivot about the secondlongitudinal axis relative to the elongated body.

The control assembly further includes a second rocker switch, whereinactuation thereof is configured to rotate the jaw assembly about thesecond longitudinal axis relative to the elongated body.

The handle assembly further includes an illumination member configuredto output a light pattern indicative of a status of the surgicalinstrument.

The light pattern includes progressive activation of a plurality oflights and the status is a firing progress of the jaw assembly.

The illumination member has a substantially circular shape and includesa plurality of light emitting devices disposed about a circumference ofthe illumination member.

The illumination member includes an upper portion and a lower portiondisposed about a horizontal plane, the upper portion includes a firstplurality of light emitting devices and the lower portion includes asecond plurality of light emitting devices.

The first plurality of light emitting devices is visible to a first userhaving a first line of sight above the horizontal plane, and the secondplurality of light emitting devices is visible to a second user having asecond line of sight below the horizontal plane.

The illumination member further includes at least one side lightemitting device disposed on the horizontal plane and on each side of theillumination member, the at least one side light emitting device beingvisible to the first and second users.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical deviceis provided. The surgical device includes a jaw assembly defining afirst longitudinal axis and including a first jaw and a second jawmoveable relative to the first jaw; an elongated body defining a secondlongitudinal axis and removably coupled to a proximal end of the jawassembly, wherein the jaw assembly is configured to articulate about anarticulation axis transverse to the second longitudinal axis relative tothe elongated body; and a handle assembly removably coupled to aproximal end of the elongated body and including at least one motormechanically coupled to the jaw assembly and an illumination memberconfigured to output a light pattern indicative of a status of thesurgical instrument.

The illumination member has a substantially circular shape and includesa plurality of light emitting devices disposed about a circumference ofthe illumination member.

The illumination member includes an upper portion and a lower portiondisposed about a horizontal plane, the upper portion includes a firstplurality of light emitting devices and the lower portion includes asecond plurality of light emitting devices.

The first plurality of light emitting devices is visible to a first userhaving a first line of sight above the horizontal plane, and the secondplurality of light emitting devices is visible to a second user having asecond line of sight below the horizontal plane.

The illumination member further includes at least one side lightemitting device disposed on the horizontal plane and on each side of theillumination member, the at least one side light emitting device beingvisible to the first and second users.

The first plurality of light emitting devices is configured to output alight pattern indicative of a firing progress of the jaw assembly.

The second plurality of light emitting devices is configured to output alight pattern indicative of a status of each of the jaw assembly, theelongated body, and the handle assembly.

The first plurality of light emitting devices is configured to output alight pattern indicative of a number of remaining of uses of at leastone of the elongated body or the handle assembly.

The illumination member further includes at least one side lightemitting device disposed on the horizontal plane and on each side of theillumination member, the at least one side light emitting device beingvisible to the first and second users.

The light emitting device is configured to output a light patternindicative of an error state with at least one of the jaw assembly, theelongated body, or the handle assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective, disassembled view of an electromechanicalsurgical system including a surgical instrument, an elongated member,and an end effector, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is perspective, exploded view of the surgical instrument of FIG.1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top, partially-disassembled view of the surgical instrumentof FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front, perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1with the elongated member separated therefrom, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side, cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 1, as taken through 7-7 of FIG. 1, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top, cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG.1, as taken through 8-8 of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective, exploded view of a control assembly of thesurgical instrument of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the elongated member of FIG. 1,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective, exploded view of the elongated member of FIG.1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective, exploded view of a coupling assembly of theelongated member of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective, exploded view of a drive transmitting assemblyof the elongated member of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side, cross-sectional view of the elongated member of FIG.1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a top, cross-sectional view of the elongated member of FIG.1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged, side, cross-sectional view of a proximal area ofdetail of the elongated member of FIG. 1, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged, top, cross-sectional view of the proximal areaof detail of the elongated member of FIG. 1, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged, side, cross-sectional view of a distal area ofdetail of the elongated member of FIG. 1, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged, top, cross-sectional view of the distal area ofdetail of the elongated member of FIG. 1, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 20 is a perspective, exploded view of a drive transmitting assemblyof the elongated member of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an actuation bar of the elongatedmember of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a perspective, partially-disassembled view of the elongatedmember of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged, perspective, partially-disassembled view of aproximal portion of the elongated member of FIG. 1 in an unloadedconfiguration, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged, perspective, partially-disassembled view of adistal portion of the elongated member of FIG. 1 in the unloadedconfiguration, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged, perspective, partially-disassembled view of thedistal portion of the elongated member of FIG. 1 in a loadedconfiguration, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged, perspective, partially-disassembled view of theproximal portion of the elongated member of FIG. 1 in the loadedconfiguration, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged, perspective, partially-disassembled view of thedistal portion of the elongated member of FIG. 1 in a lockedconfiguration, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged, perspective, partially-disassembled view of theproximal portion of the elongated member of FIG. 1 in the lockedconfiguration, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is an perspective, exploded view of the end effector of FIG. 1,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is schematic hardware diagram of the electromechanical surgicalsystem of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of an end effector detection circuitaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a front, schematic view of an illumination member of thesurgical instrument of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 33A-T are front, schematic views of the illumination member ofFIG. 32 illustrating various status patterns according to the presentdisclosure; and

FIGS. 34A-D are top views of the surgical instrument 100 of FIG. 1 andthe illumination member of FIG. 32 illustrating various status patternsaccording to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed electromechanical surgicalsystem, apparatus and/or device are described in detail with referenceto the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical orcorresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein theterm “distal” refers to that portion of the electromechanical surgicalsystem, apparatus and/or device, or component thereof, that are fartherfrom the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of theelectromechanical surgical system, apparatus and/or device, or componentthereof, that are closer to the user. The terms “left” and “right” referto that portion of the electromechanical surgical system, apparatusand/or device, or component thereof, that are on the left (e.g., port)and right (e.g., starboard) sides, respectively, from the perspective ofthe user facing the distal end of the electromechanical surgical system,apparatus and/or device from the proximal end while the surgical system,apparatus and/or device is oriented in non-rotational configuration.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-8, an electromechanical, hand-held,powered surgical system, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is shown and generally designated 10. Electromechanicalsurgical system 10 includes a surgical apparatus or device in the formof an electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical instrument 100 thatis configured for selective attachment thereto of a plurality ofdifferent end effectors 300, via an adapter assembly 200 (e.g.,elongated body). The end effector 300 and the adapter assembly 200 areconfigured for actuation and manipulation by the electromechanical,hand-held, powered surgical instrument 100. In particular, the surgicalinstrument 100, the adapter assembly 200, and the end effector 300 areseparable from each other such that the surgical instrument 100 isconfigured for selective connection with adapter assembly 200, and, inturn, adapter assembly 200 is configured for selective connection withany one of a plurality of different end effectors 300.

Reference may be made to International Application No.PCT/US2008/077249, filed Sep. 22, 2008 (Inter. Pub. No. WO 2009/039506)and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0121049, filed on Nov.20, 2009, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein byreference, for a detailed description of the construction and operationof exemplary electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical instrument100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, surgical instrument 100 includes a handlehousing 102 having a lower housing portion 104, an intermediate housingportion 106 extending from and/or supported on lower housing portion104, and an upper housing portion 108 extending from and/or supported onintermediate housing portion 106. Intermediate housing portion 106 andupper housing portion 108 are separated into a distal half-section 110 athat is integrally formed with and extending from the lower portion 104,and a proximal half-section 110 b connectable to distal half-section 110a by a plurality of fasteners. When joined, distal and proximalhalf-sections 110 a, 110 b define a handle housing 102 having a cavity102 a therein in which a circuit board 150 and a drive mechanism 160 issituated.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, distal and proximal half-sections 110a, 110 b are divided along a vertical plane that traverses alongitudinal axis “X-X” of upper housing portion 108. Handle housing 102includes a gasket 112 extending completely around a rim of distalhalf-section and/or proximal half-section 110 a, 110 b and beinginterposed between distal half-section 110 a and proximal half-section110 b. Gasket 112 seals the perimeter of distal half-section 110 a andproximal half-section 110 b. Gasket 112 functions to establish anair-tight seal between distal half-section 110 a and proximalhalf-section 110 b such that circuit board 150 and drive mechanism 160are protected from sterilization and/or cleaning procedures.

In this manner, the cavity 102 a of handle housing 102 is sealed alongthe perimeter of distal half-section 110 a and proximal half-section 110b yet is configured to enable easier, more efficient assembly of circuitboard 150 and a drive mechanism 160 in handle housing 102.

Intermediate housing portion 106 of handle housing 102 provides ahousing in which circuit board 150 is situated. Circuit board 150 isconfigured to control the various operations of surgical instrument 100,as will be set forth in additional detail below.

Lower housing portion 104 of surgical instrument 100 defines an aperture(not shown) formed in an upper surface thereof and which is locatedbeneath or within intermediate housing portion 106. As shown in FIGS. 3and 4, the aperture of lower housing portion 104 provides a passagethrough which wires 152 pass to electrically interconnect electricalcomponents situated in lower housing portion 104, e.g., a battery 156and a circuit board 154, with electrical components situated inintermediate housing portion 106 and/or upper housing portion 108, e.g.,circuit board 150, drive mechanism 160, etc.

Handle housing 102 includes a gasket 107 disposed within the aperture oflower housing portion 104 (not shown) thereby plugging or sealing theaperture of lower housing portion 104 while allowing wires 152 to passtherethrough. Gasket 107 functions to establish an air-tight sealbetween lower housing portion 106 and intermediate housing portion 108such that circuit board 150 and drive mechanism 160 are protected fromsterilization and/or cleaning procedures.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, lower housing portion 104 ofhandle housing 102 provides a housing in which the battery 156 isremovably disposed therein. The battery 156 may be a rechargeablebattery (e.g., lead-based, nickel-based, lithium-ion based, etc.). It isalso envisioned that the battery 156 may be a single-use,non-rechargeable battery. Battery 156 is configured to supply power toany of the electrical components of surgical instrument 100. Lowerhousing portion 104 defines a cavity (not shown) into which battery 156is inserted. Lower housing portion 104 includes a door 105 pivotallyconnected thereto for closing cavity of lower housing portion 104 andretaining battery 156 therein.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, distal half-section 110 a ofupper housing portion 108 defines a nose or connecting portion 108 a. Anose cone 114 is supported on nose portion 108 a of upper housingportion 108. Nose cone 114 is fabricated from a transparent,light-transmissive material. An illumination member 116 is disposedwithin nose cone 114 such that illumination member 116 is visibletherethrough. The nose cone 114 may be tinted, such that theillumination member 116 is visible when it is activated.

With reference to FIG. 5, the illumination member 116 may include aplurality of any suitable light emitting devices, such as light emittingdiodes (LEDs), disposed on printed circuit board (LED PCB) 116 a whichis disposed in a vertical plane transverse to the longitudinal axis“X-X.” The illumination member 116 is configured to illuminate inmultiple colors with a specific color pattern being associated with aunique discrete event. In embodiments, the LEDs may be single-color ormulti-color LEDs.

Upper housing portion 108 of handle housing 102 provides a housing inwhich drive mechanism 160 is situated. As illustrated in FIG. 5, drivemechanism 160 is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components inorder to perform the various operations of surgical instrument 100. Inparticular, drive mechanism 160 is configured to drive shafts and/orgear components in order to selectively move tool assembly 304 of endeffector 300 relative to proximal body portion 302 of end effector 300,to rotate end effector 300 about the longitudinal axis “X-X” (FIG. 3)relative to handle housing 102, to move anvil assembly 306 relative tocartridge assembly 308 of end effector 300, and/or to fire a staplingand cutting cartridge within cartridge assembly 308 of end effector 300.

The drive mechanism 160 includes a selector gearbox assembly 162 that islocated immediately proximal relative to adapter assembly 200. Proximalto the selector gearbox assembly 162 is a function selection module 163having a first (e.g., selector) motor 164 that functions to selectivelymove gear elements within the selector gearbox assembly 162 intoengagement with an input drive component 165 having a second (e.g.,drive) motor 166.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, distal half-section 110 a of upper housingportion 108 defines a connecting portion 108 a configured to accept acorresponding drive coupling assembly 210 of adapter assembly 200.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, connecting portion 108 a of surgicalinstrument 100 has a cylindrical recess 108 b that receives a drivecoupling assembly 210 of adapter assembly 200 when adapter assembly 200is mated to surgical instrument 100. Connecting portion 108 a housesthree rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122.

With reference to FIG. 6, when adapter assembly 200 is mated to surgicalinstrument 100, each of rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122 ofsurgical instrument 100 couples with a corresponding rotatable connectorsleeve 218, 220, 222 of adapter assembly 200. In this regard, theinterface between corresponding first drive connector 118 and firstconnector sleeve 218, the interface between corresponding second driveconnector 120 and second connector sleeve 220, and the interface betweencorresponding third drive connector 122 and third connector sleeve 222are keyed such that rotation of each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122of surgical instrument 100 causes a corresponding rotation of thecorresponding connector sleeve 218, 220, 222 of adapter assembly 200.

The mating of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100with connector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of adapter assembly 200 allowsrotational forces to be independently transmitted via each of the threerespective connector interfaces. The drive connectors 118, 120, 122 ofsurgical instrument 100 are configured to be independently rotated bydrive mechanism 160. In this regard, the function selection module 163of drive mechanism 160 selects which drive connector or connectors 118,120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 is to be driven by the input drivecomponent 165 of drive mechanism 160.

Since each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100has a keyed and/or substantially non-rotatable interface with respectiveconnector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of adapter assembly 200, when adapterassembly 200 is coupled to surgical instrument 100, rotational force(s)are selectively transferred from drive mechanism 160 of surgicalinstrument 100 to adapter assembly 200.

The selective rotation of drive connector(s) 118, 120 and/or 122 ofsurgical instrument 100 allows surgical instrument 100 to selectivelyactuate different functions of end effector 300. As discussed in greaterdetail below, selective and independent rotation of first driveconnector 118 of surgical instrument 100 corresponds to the selectiveand independent opening and closing of tool assembly 304 of end effector300, and driving of a stapling/cutting component of tool assembly 304 ofend effector 300. Also, the selective and independent rotation of seconddrive connector 120 of surgical instrument 100 corresponds to theselective and independent articulation of tool assembly 304 of endeffector 300 about an articulation axis “Z-Z” that is transverse tolongitudinal axis “X-X” (FIG. 2) in direction “A” or “B”. In particular,the end effector 300 defines a second longitudinal axis “Y-Y” and ismovable from a first position in which the second longitudinal axis“Y-Y” is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis “X-X” toat least a second position in which the second longitudinal axis “Y-Y”is disposed at a non-zero angle with respect to the first longitudinalaxis “X-X.” Additionally, the selective and independent rotation ofthird drive connector 122 of surgical instrument 100 corresponds to theselective and independent rotation of end effector 300 aboutlongitudinal axis “X-X” (FIG. 2) relative to handle housing 102 ofsurgical instrument 100 in direction “C” or “D”.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 9, handle housing 102 supports acontrol assembly 103 on a distal surface or side of intermediate housingportion 108. Control assembly 103, in cooperation with intermediatehousing portion 108, supports a pair of finger-actuated control buttons124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130. In particular, control assembly103 defines an upper aperture 124 a for slidably receiving a firstcontrol button 124, and a lower aperture 126 a for slidably receiving asecond control button 126.

Each one of the control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130includes a respective magnet (not shown) that is moved by the actuationof an operator. In addition, circuit board 150 includes, for each one ofthe control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices 128, 130, respectiveHall-effect switches 150 a-150 d (FIG. 7) that are actuated by themovement of the magnets in the control buttons 124, 126 and rockerdevices 128, 130. In particular, located immediately proximal to thecontrol button 124 is a first Hall-effect switch 150 a (FIGS. 3 and 7)that is actuated upon the movement of a magnet within the control button124 upon the operator actuating control button 124. The actuation offirst Hall-effect switch 150 a, corresponding to control button 124,causes circuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to functionselection module 163 and input drive component 165 of the drivemechanism 160 to close a tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 and/or tofire a stapling/cutting cartridge within tool assembly 304 of endeffector 300.

Also, located immediately proximal to rocker device 128 is a secondHall-effect switch 150 b (FIGS. 3 and 7) that is actuated upon themovement of a magnet (not shown) within rocker device 128 upon theoperator actuating rocker device 128. The actuation of secondHall-effect switch 150 b, corresponding to rocker device 128, causescircuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to function selectionmodule 163 and input drive component 165 of drive mechanism 160 toarticulate tool assembly 304 relative to body portion 302 of endeffector 300. Advantageously, movement of rocker device 128 in a firstdirection causes tool assembly 304 to articulate relative to bodyportion 302 in a first direction, while movement of rocker device 128 inan opposite, e.g., second, direction causes tool assembly 304 toarticulate relative to body portion 302 in an opposite, e.g., second,direction.

Furthermore, located immediately proximal to control button 126 is athird Hall-effect switch 150 c (FIGS. 3 and 7) that is actuated upon themovement of a magnet (not shown) within control button 126 upon theoperator actuating control button 126. The actuation of thirdHall-effect switch 150 c, corresponding to control button 126, causescircuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to function selectionmodule 163 and input drive component 165 of drive mechanism 160 to opentool assembly 304 of end effector 300.

In addition, located immediately proximal to rocker device 130 is afourth Hall-effect switch 150 d (FIGS. 3 and 7) that is actuated uponthe movement of a magnet (not shown) within rocker device 130 upon theoperator actuating rocker device 130. The actuation of fourthHall-effect switch 150 d, corresponding to rocker device 130, causescircuit board 150 to provide appropriate signals to function selectionmodule 163 and input drive component 165 of drive mechanism 160 torotate end effector 300 relative to handle housing 102 surgicalinstrument 100. Specifically, movement of rocker device 130 in a firstdirection causes end effector 300 to rotate relative to handle housing102 in a first direction, while movement of rocker device 130 in anopposite, e.g., second, direction causes end effector 300 to rotaterelative to handle housing 102 in an opposite, e.g., second, direction.

As seen in FIGS. 1-3, surgical instrument 100 includes a fire button orsafety switch 132 supported between intermediate housing portion 108 andupper housing portion, and situated above control assembly 103. In use,tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 is actuated between opened andclosed conditions as needed and/or desired. In order to fire endeffector 300, to expel fasteners therefrom when tool assembly 304 of endeffector 300 is in a closed condition, safety switch 132 is depressedthereby instructing surgical instrument 100 that end effector 300 isready to expel fasteners therefrom.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10-20, surgical instrument 100 isconfigured for selective connection with adapter assembly 200, and, inturn, adapter assembly 200 is configured for selective connection withend effector 300.

Adapter assembly 200 is configured to convert a rotation of either ofdrive connectors 120 and 122 of surgical instrument 100 into axialtranslation useful for operating a drive assembly 360 and anarticulation link 366 of end effector 300, as illustrated in FIG. 29 anddiscussed in greater detail below.

Adapter assembly 200 includes a first drive transmitting assembly forinterconnecting third rotatable drive connector 122 of surgicalinstrument 100 and a first axially translatable drive member of endeffector 300, wherein the first drive transmitting assembly converts andtransmits a rotation of third rotatable drive connector 122 of surgicalinstrument 100 to an axial translation of the first axially translatabledrive assembly 360 of end effector 300 for firing.

Adapter assembly 200 includes a second drive transmitting assembly forinterconnecting second rotatable drive connector 120 of surgicalinstrument 100 and a second axially translatable drive member of endeffector 300, wherein the second drive transmitting assembly convertsand transmits a rotation of second rotatable drive connector 120 ofsurgical instrument 100 to an axial translation of articulation link 366of end effector 300 for articulation.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, adapter assembly 200 includes a knobhousing 202 and an outer tube 206 extending from a distal end of knobhousing 202. Knob housing 202 and outer tube 206 are configured anddimensioned to house the components of adapter assembly 200. Outer tube206 is dimensioned such that outer tube 206 is passable through atypical trocar port, cannula or the like. Knob housing 202 isdimensioned to not enter the trocar port, cannula of the like.

Knob housing 202 is configured and adapted to connect to connectingportion 108 a of upper housing portion 108 of distal half-section 110 aof surgical instrument 100. With reference to FIGS. 10-12, adapterassembly 200 includes a surgical device drive coupling assembly 210 at aproximal end thereof and to an end effector coupling assembly 230 at adistal end thereof. Drive coupling assembly 210 includes a distal drivecoupling housing 210 a and a proximal drive coupling housing 210 brotatably supported, at least partially, in knob housing 202. Drivecoupling assembly 210 rotatably supports a first rotatable proximaldrive shaft 212, a second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214, and athird rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 therein.

Proximal drive coupling housing 210 b is configured to rotatably supportfirst, second and third connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222,respectively. Each of connector sleeves 218, 220, 222 is configured tomate with respective first, second and third drive connectors 118, 120,122 of surgical instrument 100, as described above. Each of connectorsleeves 218, 220, 222 is further configured to mate with a proximal endof respective first, second and third proximal drive shafts 212, 214,216.

Proximal drive coupling assembly 210 includes a first, a second and athird biasing member 224, 226 and 228 disposed distally of respectivefirst, second and third connector sleeves 218, 220, 222. Each of biasingmembers 224, 226 and 228 is disposed about respective first, second andthird rotatable proximal drive shaft 212, 214 and 216. Biasing members224, 226 and 228 act on respective connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 tohelp maintain connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 engaged with the distalend of respective drive rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122 ofsurgical instrument 100 when adapter assembly 200 is connected tosurgical instrument 100.

In particular, first, second and third biasing members 224, 226 and 228bias respective connector sleeves 218, 220 and 222 in a proximaldirection. In this manner, during assembly of adapter assembly 200 tosurgical instrument 100, if first, second and or third connector sleeves218, 220 and/or 222 is/are misaligned with the drive connectors 118,120, 122 of surgical instrument 100, first, second and/or third biasingmember(s) 224, 226 and/or 228 are compressed. Thus, when drive mechanism160 of surgical instrument 100 is engaged, drive connectors 118, 120,122 of surgical instrument 100 will rotate and first, second and/orthird biasing member(s) 224, 226 and/or 228 will cause respective first,second and/or third connector sleeve(s) 218, 220 and/or 222 to slideback proximally, effectively coupling drive connectors 118, 120, 122 ofsurgical instrument 100 to first, second and/or third proximal driveshaft(s) 212, 214 and 216 of proximal drive coupling assembly 210.

Upon calibration of surgical instrument 100, each of drive connectors118, 120, 122 of surgical instrument 100 is rotated and biasing ofconnector sleeve(s) 218, 220 and 222 properly seats connector sleeve(s)218, 220 and 222 over the respective drive connectors 118, 120, 122 ofsurgical instrument 100 when the proper alignment is reached.

Adapter assembly 200 includes a first, a second and a third drivetransmitting assembly 240, 250, 260, respectively, disposed withinhandle housing 202 and outer tube 206. Each drive transmitting assembly240, 250, 260 is configured and adapted to transmit or convert arotation of a first, second and third drive connector 118, 120, 122 ofsurgical instrument 100 into axial translation of drive tube 246 anddrive bar 258 of adapter assembly 200, to effectuate closing, opening,articulating and firing of end effector 300; or a rotation of ring gear266 of adapter assembly 200, to effectuate rotation of adapter assembly200.

As shown in FIGS. 13-19, first drive transmitting assembly 240 includesa first distal drive shaft 242 rotatably supported within housing 202and outer tube 206. A proximal end portion 242 a of first distal driveshaft 242 is keyed to a spur gear 242 c which is configured forconnection to a spur gear 212 a keyed to first rotatable proximal driveshaft 212, via a compound gear 243. First distal drive shaft 242 furtherincludes a distal end portion 242 b having a threaded outer profile orsurface.

First drive transmitting assembly 240 further includes a drive couplingnut 244 rotatably coupled to threaded distal end portion 242 b of firstdistal drive shaft 242, and which is slidably disposed within outer tube206. Drive coupling nut 244 is keyed to an inner housing tube 206 a ofouter tube 206 so as to be prevented from rotation as first distal driveshaft 242 is rotated. In this manner, as first distal drive shaft 242 isrotated, drive coupling nut 244 is translated through and/or along innerhousing tube 206 a of outer tube 206.

First drive transmitting assembly 240 further includes a drive tube 246surrounding first distal drive shaft 242 and having a proximal endportion connected to drive coupling nut 244 and a distal end portionextending beyond a distal end of first distal drive shaft 242. Thedistal end portion of drive tube 246 supports a connection member 247(FIG. 13) configured and dimensioned for selective engagement with drivemember 374 of drive assembly 360 of end effector 300.

In operation, as first rotatable proximal drive shaft 212 is rotated,due to a rotation of first connector sleeve 218, as a result of therotation of the first respective drive connector 118 of surgicalinstrument 100, spur gear 212 a of first rotatable proximal drive shaft212 engages first gear 243 a of compound gear 243 causing compound gear243 to rotate. As compound gear 243 rotates, a second gear 243 b ofcompound gear 243 is rotated and thus causes spur gear 242 c that iskeyed to first distal drive shaft 242, that is engaged therewith, toalso rotate thereby causing first distal drive shaft 242 to rotate. Asfirst distal drive shaft 242 is rotated, drive coupling nut 244 iscaused to be translated axially along first distal drive shaft 242.

As drive coupling nut 244 is caused to be translated axially along firstdistal drive shaft 242, drive tube 246 is caused to be translatedaxially relative to inner housing tube 206 a of outer tube 206. As drivetube 246 is translated axially, with connection member 247 connectedthereto and connected to a drive member 374 of drive assembly 360 of endeffector 300, drive tube 246 causes concomitant axial translation ofdrive member 374 of end effector 300 to effectuate a closure of toolassembly 304 and a firing of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300.

With reference to FIGS. 13-19, second drive transmitting assembly 250 ofadapter assembly 200 includes second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214rotatably supported within drive coupling assembly 210. Second rotatableproximal drive shaft 214 includes a non-circular or shaped proximal endportion 214 a configured for connection with second connector 220 whichis connected to respective second connector 120 of surgical instrument100. Second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 further includes a distalend portion 214 b having a threaded outer profile or surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, second drive transmitting assembly 250further includes a coupling cuff 254 rotatably and translatablysupported within an annular race or recess formed in knob housing 202.Coupling cuff 254 defines a lumen 254 a therethrough, and an annularrace or recess formed in a surface of lumen 254 a. Second drivetransmitting assembly 250 further includes a coupling slider 256extending across lumen 254 a of coupling cuff 254 and slidably disposedwithin the race of coupling cuff 254. Coupling slider 256 is threadablyconnected to threaded distal end portion 214 b of second rotatableproximal drive shaft 214. As so configured, coupling cuff 254 can rotateabout second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214, thereby maintaining aradial position of second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 relative tofirst rotatable proximal drive shaft 242.

Second rotatable proximal drive shaft 214 defines an axis of rotation,and coupling cuff 254 defines an axis of rotation that is spaced aradial distance from the axis of rotation of second rotatable proximaldrive shaft 214. Coupling slider 256 defines an axis of rotation that iscoincident with the axis of rotation of coupling cuff 254.

Second drive transmitting assembly 250 further includes a drive bar 258translatably supported for axial translation through outer tube 206.Drive bar 258 includes a proximal end portion 258 a coupled to couplingcuff 254, and a distal end portion 258 b defining a coupling hook 258 cconfigured and dimensioned for selective engagement with hooked proximalend 366 a of articulation link 366 of end effector 300 (FIG. 29).

In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-19, as drive shaft 214 isrotated due to a rotation of second connector sleeve 220, as a result ofthe rotation of the second drive connector 120 of surgical instrument100, coupling slider 256 is caused to be translated axially alongthreaded distal portion 214 b of second rotatable proximal drive shaft214, which in turn causes coupling cuff 254 to be translated axiallyrelative to knob housing 202. As coupling cuff 254 is translatedaxially, drive bar 258 is caused to be translated axially. Accordingly,as drive bar 258 is translated axially, with hook 258 c thereofconnected to hooked proximal end 366 a of articulation link 366 of endeffector 300 (FIG. 29), drive bar 258 causes concomitant axialtranslation of articulation link 366 of end effector 300 to effectuatean articulation of tool assembly 304.

As seen in FIGS. 10-19, adapter assembly 200 includes a third drivetransmitting assembly 260 supported in knob housing 202. Third drivetransmitting assembly 260 includes first and second rotation housinghalf-sections 262, 264 rotatably supported in knob housing 202,respectively, and an internal rotation ring gear 266 supported andinterposed between first and second rotation housing half-sections 262,264. Each of first and second rotation housing half-sections 262, 264includes an arm 262 a, 264 b extending distally therefrom and which areparallel to one another and spaced a transverse distance from oneanother. Each arm 262 a, 264 a includes a boss 262 b, 264 b extendingradially inward near a distal end thereof.

Third drive transmitting assembly 260 further includes a pair ofrotation transmitting bars 268, 270, each, connected at a proximal endthereof to bosses 262 b, 264 b of arms 262 a, 264 a, and at a distal endthereof to a distal coupling assembly 230 supported at a distal end ofouter tube 206.

Third drive transmitting assembly 260 includes a ring gear 266 definingan internal array of gear teeth 266 a. Ring gear 266 includes a pair ofdiametrically opposed, radially extending protrusions 266 b projectingform an outer edge thereof. Protrusions 266 b are disposed withinrecesses 262 c, 264 c defined in an inner surface of first and secondrotation housing half-sections 262, 264, such that rotation of ring gear266 results in rotation of first and second rotation housinghalf-sections 262, 264.

Third drive transmitting assembly 260 further includes third rotatableproximal drive shaft 216 rotatably supported within housing 202 andouter tube 206. A proximal end portion of third rotatable proximal driveshaft 216 is keyed to third connector 222 of adapter assembly 200. Thirdrotatable proximal drive shaft 216 includes a spur gear 216 a keyed to adistal end thereof. A gear set 274 inter-engages spur gear 216 a ofthird rotatable proximal drive shaft 216 to gear teeth 266 a of ringgear 266. Gear set 274 includes a first gear 274 a engaged with spurgear 216 a of third rotatable proximal drive shaft 216, and a secondgear 274 b engaged with gear teeth 266 a of ring gear 266.

In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-19, as third rotatable proximaldrive shaft 216 is rotated, due to a rotation of third connector sleeve222, as a result of the rotation of the third respective drive connector122 of surgical instrument 100, spur gear 216 a of third rotatableproximal drive shaft 216 engages first gear 272 a of gear set 274causing gear set 274 to rotate. As gear set 274 rotates, second gear 274b of gear set 274 is rotated and thus causes ring gear 266 to alsorotate thereby causing first and second rotation housing half-sections262, 264 to rotate. As first and second rotation housing half-sections262, 264 are rotated, rotation transmitting bars 268, 270, and distalcoupling assembly 230 connected thereto, are caused to be rotated aboutlongitudinal axis “X-X” of adapter assembly 200 (FIG. 10). As distalcoupling 230 is rotated, end effector 300, that is connected to distalcoupling assembly 230, is also caused to be rotated about a longitudinalaxis of adapter assembly 200.

With reference to FIGS. 10, 11, 13 and 18, adapter assembly 200 furtherincludes a lock mechanism 280 for fixing the axial position and radialorientation of drive tube 246 for the connection and disconnection ofend effector 300 thereto. Lock mechanism 280 includes a release button282 slidably supported on knob housing 202. Release button 282 isconnected to an actuation bar 284 that extends longitudinally throughouter tube 206. Actuation bar 284 is interposed between outer tube 206and inner housing tube 206 a and distal tip housing 289. Actuation bar284 moves in response to the insertion of end effector 300 and/ormovement of lock release button 282. The tip housing 289 is configuredand dimensioned for insertion of end effector 300 thereinto.

The tip housing 289 includes a bayonet connection mount 291 forreleasably connecting to the end effector 300. With reference to FIG.29, the end effector 300 includes a pair of lugs 301 a and 301 bdisposed at a proximal portion of the end effector 300. The lugs 301 aand 301 b are configured and dimensioned to be inserted into the bayonetconnection mount 291 having a pair of corresponding bayonet channels.

With reference to FIG. 13 and FIGS. 21 and 22, actuation bar 284includes a distal portion 284 a defining a window 284 b, and a fingerextending distally from distal portion 284 a. The finger of actuationbar 284 includes a proximal cam surface 284 c and a distal large tab 284d and a distal small tab 284 e. The actuation bar 284 further includes aproximal portion 284 f having an opening 284 g configured anddimensioned to engage a tab 282 a of the release button 282.

With reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 23, the lock mechanism 280 furtherincludes a leaf spring sensor 287 disposed at the distal end of thecoupling cuff 254 and underneath the release button 282, such thatlongitudinal travel of the release button 282 in the proximal directionengages the sensor 287 as the release button 282 travels in either aproximal or distal direction therealong.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 18, lock mechanism 280 further includes alock out 286 supported on distal coupling assembly 230 at a location inregistration with window 284 b of distal portion 284 a of actuation bar284. Lock out 286 includes a tab 286 a extending toward connectionmember 247 of drive tube 246. Tab 286 a of lock out 286 is configuredand dimensioned to selectively engage a cut-out 247 a formed inconnection member 247 of drive tube 246. Lock mechanism 280 furtherincludes a biasing member 288 tending to maintain lock out 286 and tab286 a thereof spaced away from cut-out 247 a formed in connection member247 of drive tube 246.

With reference to FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the lock mechanism 280 isillustrated in its “home” (e.g., unloaded) configuration in which theend effector 300 is not connected to the adapter assembly 200. In thisconfiguration, the actuation bar 284 is extended distally and the distallarge tab 284 d is in contact with the bayonet connection mount 291. Thelock mechanism 280 includes a spring 293 disposed within the window 284b of the actuation bar 284, which biases the actuation bar 284 against arest or stop 289 a of the tip housing 289. Since the actuation bar 284is extended distally, the release button 282 is also disposed distallyof the sensor 287 (FIG. 23), signaling to the surgical instrument 100that the end effector 300 is not connected to the adapter assembly 200,as described in further detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, insertion of the end effector 300into adapter assembly 200 is illustrated. As the end effector 300 isinserted into the bayonet connection mount 291 of the tip housing 289,the lug 301 a engages the distal large tab 284 d of the actuation bar284 pushing it proximally as shown in FIG. 25, below. This in turn,pushes the release button 282 in the proximal direction past the sensor287, thereby toggling the sensor 287. This signals the surgicalinstrument 100 that the end effector 300 has been inserted, but notsecured, as described in further detail below.

Proximal movement of the actuation bar 284 also locks the positionand/or orientation of drive tube 246. In particular, as the actuationbar 284 is moved proximally, the cam surface 284 c of actuation bar 284engages the lock arm 286 and urges lock out 286 toward drive tube 246,against the bias of biasing member 288, such that tab 286 a of lock out286 is received in cut-out 247 a formed in connection member 247 ofdrive tube 246. In this manner, drive tube 246 is prevented from distaland/or proximal movement.

With reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, securing of the end effector 300within the connection mount 291 of adapter assembly 200 is illustrated.After distal insertion of the end effector 300, it is secured to adapterassembly 200 by rotation thereof about the longitudinal axis “X-X.” Asthe end effector 300 is rotated within the bayonet connection mount 291of the tip housing 289, the lug 301 a disengages the distal large tab284 d and engages the distal small tab 284 e of the actuation bar 284.This allows the action bar 284 to move distally under the biasing of thespring 293 (see FIG. 24) as shown in FIG. 27, below. The spring 293retains the actuation bar 284 in the distal direction with the lug 301 adisposed between the connection mount 291 and the distal large tab 284d, thereby securing the end effector 300. Distal movement of theactuation bar 284 also allows the distal small tab 284 e to rest againstthe lug 301 a, which in turn, moves the release button 282 to rest onthe sensor 287, thereby continually engaging the sensor 287 andsignaling the surgical instrument 100 that the end effector 300 has beeninserted and secured to adapter assembly 200, as described in furtherdetail below.

Distal movement of the actuation bar 284 also allows for disengagementof the drive tube 246 with the end effector 300. In particular, as theactuation bar 284 is moved distally, the cam surface 284 c is disengagedfrom lock out 286 thereby allowing biasing member 288 to urge lock out286 and tab 286 a thereof out of cut-out 247 a formed in connectionmember 247 of drive tube 246.

Disconnection of the end effector 300 may be accomplished by moving therelease button 282 in the proximal direction. This also moves theactuation bar 284 in the proximal direction and simultaneouslydisengages the release button 282 from the sensor 287, thereby signalingthe surgical instrument 100 that the end effector 300 has beendisengaged. Proximal movement of the actuation bar 284 moves the distallarge and small tabs 284 d and 284 e from engagement with the lug 301 aof the end effector 300. While the release button 282 is continuouslyengaged in the proximal direction, the end effector 300 is rotated andthen pulled out from the adapter assembly 200. As the release button 282is disengaged, the actuation bar 284 is moved in the distal direction bythe spring 293 along with the release button 282, which once againtoggles the sensor 287 to signal the surgical instrument 100 that theend effector 300 has been removed.

As seen in FIGS. 6, 12 and 31, adapter assembly 200 includes a pair ofelectrical contact pins 290 a, 290 b for electrical connection to acorresponding electrical plug 190 a, 190 b disposed in connectingportion 108 a of surgical instrument 100. Adapter assembly 200 furtherincludes a circuit board 292 supported in knob housing 202 and which isin electrical communication with electrical contact pins 290 a, 290 bThe circuit board 292 provides the circuit board 150 of surgicalinstrument 100 with autoclave and usage counts as well as signals fromthe sensor 287.

With reference to FIG. 29, the end effector 300 includes a proximal bodyportion 302 and a tool assembly 304. Proximal body portion 302 isreleasably attached to a distal coupling 230 of adapter assembly 200 andtool assembly 304 is pivotally attached to a distal end of proximal bodyportion 302. Tool assembly 304 includes an anvil assembly 306 and acartridge assembly 308. Cartridge assembly 308 is pivotal in relation toanvil assembly 306 and is movable between an open or unclamped positionand a closed or clamped position for insertion through a cannula of atrocar. Proximal body portion 302 includes at least a drive assembly 360and an articulation link 366.

Referring to FIG. 29, drive assembly 360 includes a flexible drive beam364 having a distal end which is secured to a dynamic clamping member365, and a proximal engagement section 368. Engagement section 368includes a stepped portion defining a shoulder 370. A proximal end ofengagement section 368 includes diametrically opposed inwardly extendingfingers 372. Fingers 372 engage a hollow drive member 374 to fixedlysecure drive member 374 to the proximal end of beam 364. Drive member374 defines a proximal porthole 376 which receives connection member 247of drive tube 246 of first drive transmitting assembly 240 of adapterassembly 200 when end effector 300 is attached to distal coupling 230 ofadapter assembly 200.

When drive assembly 360 is advanced distally within tool assembly 304,an upper beam of clamping member 365 moves within a channel definedbetween anvil plate 312 and anvil cover 310 and a lower beam moves overthe exterior surface of carrier 316 to close tool assembly 304 and firestaples therefrom.

Proximal body portion 302 of end effector 300 includes an articulationlink 366 having a hooked proximal end 366 a which extends from aproximal end of end effector 300. Hooked proximal end 366 a ofarticulation link 366 engages coupling hook 258 c of drive bar 258 ofadapter assembly 200 when end effector 300 is secured to distal housing232 of adapter assembly 200. When drive bar 258 of adapter assembly 200is advanced or retracted as described above, articulation link 366 ofend effector 300 is advanced or retracted within end effector 300 topivot tool assembly 304 in relation to a distal end of proximal bodyportion 302.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, cartridge assembly 308 of tool assembly 304includes a removable staple cartridge 305 supportable in carrier 316.Staple cartridge 305 defines a central longitudinal slot 305 a, andthree linear rows of staple retention slots 305 b positioned on eachside of longitudinal slot 305 a. Each of staple retention slots 305 breceives a single staple 307 and a portion of a staple pusher 309.During operation of surgical instrument 100, drive assembly 360 abuts anactuation sled and pushes actuation sled through cartridge 305. As theactuation sled moves through cartridge 305, cam wedges of the actuationsled sequentially engage staple pushers 309 to move staple pushers 309vertically within staple retention slots 305 b and sequentially eject asingle staple 307 therefrom for formation against anvil plate 312.

Construction and operation of end effector 300 is described in furtherdetail in a commonly-owned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0314821,filed on Aug. 31, 2009, entitled “TOOL ASSEMBLY FOR A SURGICAL STAPLINGDEVICE,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

A high level hardware architectural view of the system 10 is shown inFIG. 30 and illustrates the interconnections between the varioushardware and software interfaces. The hardware interface 400 includes amain master microcontroller 402 disposed on the circuit board 154 thathandles all of the communications and an encoder microcontroller 412 asthe slave, Hall-effect scanning of finger-actuated control buttons 124,126 and rocker devices 128, 130, communication through a communicationinterface 413 with ID chips 406, 408, 410, LED flash rate and updating,motor control of the first motor (e.g., select motor) 164 and the secondmotor (e.g., drive motor) 166, and all other high-level functionality.

The main microcontroller 402 includes an internal flash memory 402 a, aninternal storage memory 402 b, and an internal random access memory(RAM) 402 c. The flash memory 402 a may be any suitable erasable,rewritable storage suitable for non-volatile storage of computer dataand software that can be electrically erased and programmed. The flashmemory 402 a contains the device software for operating surgicalinstrument 100, shaft assembly 200 and/or end effector 300. The softwarestored in the flash memory 402 a may be updated via a serial connectordisposed in the lower housing portion 104 using a bootloader. Thebootloader is an independent program that is also resident in the flashmemory 402 a and controls the software update process.

The storage memory 402 b is used for storing (e.g., reading and writing)a variety of data regarding operation of surgical instrument 100, suchas usage counter, calibration presets, event logging, etc. The storagememory 402 b may also be any suitable erasable, rewritable storagesuitable for non-volatile storage of computer data. RAM 402 c is usedduring execution of the program instructions by the main microcontroller402, namely the instructions are loaded from the flash memory 402 a intothe RAM 402 c.

The main microcontroller 402 is also coupled to the control assembly103, namely finger-actuated control buttons 124, 126 and rocker devices128, 130, and is configured to receive inputs therefrom. The mainmicrocontroller 402 then controls surgical instrument 100, namely,operation of the first motor (e.g., select motor) 164 and the secondmotor (e.g., drive motor) 166 in response to the inputs and operationsoftware as discussed in further detail below. The main microcontroller402 is further coupled to a system management bus (SMB) 405 that is usedto communicate with the battery 156. In particular, battery status suchas temperature and capacity is communicated over the SMB 405.

The main microcontroller 402 also communicates with an Instrument IDchip 406, an adapter ID chip 408, and a battery ID chip 410, disposed insurgical instrument 100, shaft assembly 200, and the battery 156,respectively through a communication interface 413. The interface 413provides a single-contact communication interface with the mainmicrocontroller 402 and offers electronic identification of reusablecomponents, namely shaft assembly 200, the battery 156, and end effector300 to prevent these components from being used beyond their specifiedlimit.

The Instrument ID chip 406 identifies surgical instrument 100 andrecords usage information to confirm on startup that surgical instrument100 has not reached its autoclave cycle limit and/or handle fire limit.The adapter ID chip 408 identifies the type of shaft assembly 200 andincludes an end effector detection circuit 411 for detecting thepresence of the end effector 300. The adapter ID chip 408 also recordsusage information to ensure that shaft assembly 200 has not reached itsautoclave cycle limit and/or fire limit. The battery ID chip 410identifies the battery 156 and records usage information, such as chargecycle count, and is used to prevent operation of surgical instrument 100with unsupported batteries, batteries not capable of firing the endeffector 300 successfully and/or batteries that exceed charge cyclecount limits.

The hardware interface 400 also includes an encoder microcontroller 402also disposed on the circuit board 154 and coupled to the mainmicrocontroller 402. The encoder microcontroller 402 includes aninternal flash memory 412 a and an internal random access memory (RAM)412 b. The flash memory 412 a is used for storage of the softwarecontrolling the operation of the encoder microcontroller 402 andoff-board components such as motors 164, 166 and illumination member116. RAM 412 b is used during execution of the program instructions bythe encoder microcontroller 402, namely the instructions are loaded fromthe flash memory 412 a into the RAM 412 c.

The encoder microcontroller 402 is responsible for receiving feedbackfrom a select motor encoder 414 and a drive motor encoder 416. Theselect and drive motor encoders 414 and 416 are configured to receivefeedback from Hall Effect sensors that monitor rotation of the firstmotor (e.g., select motor) 164 and the second motor (e.g., drive motor)166 via their respective encoder pulse counters. In particular, theencoder microcontroller 402 counts the motor encoding tick pulses fromboth the select and drive motors 164 and 166 to attain position andvelocity thereof. The encoder microcontroller 402 reports thisinformation to the main microcontroller 402 when requested. The encodermicrocontroller 402 is also coupled to the illumination member 116,which is shown in FIG. 32. The illumination member 116 includes aplurality LEDs disposed around a circumference of the illuminationmember 116.

The software resident in the flash memory 402 a is executed by the mainmicrocontroller 402 as surgical instrument 100 is powered up. Uponstartup, surgical instrument 100 is initialized, which includesactivation of hardware systems disposed on the circuit board, such asI/O ports, analog-to-digital converter, real time clock, motor PW, datamonitoring, pulse counter communication, communication communication,and the watchdog, are activated. In addition, initialization includestesting operation of the microcontrollers 402 and 412 as well asverification of the integrity of the code and data stored in the flashmemory 402 a, storage memory 402 b, and flash memory 412 a.

If the initialization is successful, the main microcontroller 402commences calibration tests of the selector and drive motors 164 and166. These tests verify the drive electronics of the motors 164 and 166and calibrate the selector motor 164 to its home position.

The communication interface 413 is also tested to verify thatcommunication is established with the ID chips 406, 408, 410 of surgicalinstrument 100, shaft assembly 200, and the battery 156.

Battery 156 is also initialized, which includes verifying that thebattery 156 is supported based on its ID number. In addition, thefollowing tests are performed: 1) battery capacity is tested at startupand is tested continuously to ensure it is greater than a predeterminedthreshold prior to firing; 2) the battery temperature is testedcontinuously to ensure it is in a suitable operational range; and 3) thebattery full charge capacity is also tested for end-of-life condition.

The main microcontroller 402 also verifies the number of remaining usesof surgical instrument 100 and shaft assembly 200, e.g., whether theautoclave cycle and handle fire limits have been reached.

If any of the above tests and/or calibrations fails, a correspondingerror is annunciated on the illumination member 116 as described infurther detail below with respect to FIGS. 32-34D. If all of the abovetests have been completed successfully, then a ready status signal isdisplayed on the illumination member 116.

After surgical instrument 100 is initialized, shaft assembly 200 is alsorecognized and calibrated. During startup, surgical instrument 100determines if shaft assembly 200 and/or end effector 300 are connected.When connected, the end effector 300 is automatically retracted to thefull open position and shaft assembly 200 is not calibrated until endeffector 300 is removed.

After startup, surgical instrument 100 monitors the communicationinterface 413 (e.g., at a rate of 1 hertz) for the presence of anattached shaft assembly 200. In particular, the main microcontroller 402interrogates the ID chip 408 of shaft assembly 200 to determine if it isa supported shaft assembly 200. If the attached adapted is unsupportedand/or unknown, calibration does not occur and a corresponding error isdisplayed on the illumination member 116.

Shaft assembly 200 is calibrated without end effector 300 beingattached. An articulation range of shaft assembly 200 is calibrated toobtain a reference position by driving the drive shaft 214 left until itstops at its mechanical limit. Once left end stop is detected, driveshaft 214 is driven right to center position. The clamping drive shaft212 is calibrated by obtaining a reference position by driving the driveshaft 212 proximally until it stops at its mechanical limit. Once endstop is detected, drive shaft 212 is driven distally to home position.If articulation or rotation calibration fail, no further operation ispossible until shaft assembly 200 has been removed.

After startup, surgical instrument 100 monitors the communicationinterface 413 (e.g., at a rate of 1 hertz) for the presence of anattached end effector 300, such that when end effector 300 is removedand motor movement has occurred since last calibration, surgicalinstrument 100 will require recalibration of shaft assembly 200.

In embodiments, the end effector 300 and/or the staple cartridge 305 maybe replaced. In particular, the communication interface 413 (e.g., at arate of 1 hertz) monitors for removal and reattachment of the endeffector 300. If it is detected that the end effector 300 and/or thestaple cartridge 305 have been replaced the surgical instrument 100 isrecalibrated by fully opening and then closing of the anvil assembly 306and the cartridge assembly 308 of end effector 300.

After it is determined that all of the components are verified andcalibrated, surgical instrument 100 is ready for use. With reference toFIG. 9, the control button 124 is actuated to effect clamping and/orfiring of end effector 300. The control button 126 is used to effectopening of the anvil assembly 306 and the cartridge assembly 308 of endeffector 300. The rocker switch 128 is used to articulate the toolassembly 304 relative to body portion 302 of end effector 300. Therocker switch 130 is used to rotate end effector 300 and shaft assembly200 relative to surgical instrument 100 about the longitudinal axis“X-X.” The safety switch 132 is used to signal surgical instrument 100that end effector 300 is ready to expel fasteners therefrom and must bedepressed prior to actuating the control button 124 to commence firing.The user may rotate, articulate, and/or open end effector 300 at anypoint prior to firing the fasteners, each of the modes are described infurther detail below.

End effector 300 and shaft assembly 200 are rotated clockwise bypressing the rocker switch 130 from right to left and counterclockwiseby pressing the rocker switch 130 from left to right as viewed from therear of surgical instrument 100. Rotation may occur prior to attachmentof end effector 300. However, rotation is disabled while surgicalinstrument 100 is in firing mode and/or end effector 300 is clamped. Thedrive motor 166 is stopped when rotations per minute (RPM) reach 0 andremains stopped until the rocker switch 130 is released.

Articulation is enabled only after calibration of the shaft assembly 200and while surgical instrument 100 is not in the firing mode.Articulation also can occur when end effector 300 is disconnected or endeffector 300 is clamped, but at a slower rate. End effector 300 isarticulated in left and right directions by pressing the rocker switch128 in a left or right direction, respectively, as viewed from the rearof surgical instrument 100 and the cartridge assembly 308 of endeffector 300 is facing upward.

End effector 300 may be centered, i.e., articulated to the centerposition when both control buttons 124 and 126 are pressed and surgicalinstrument 100 is not in firing mode. Once at the center position,articulation stops until the rocker switch 128 has been released andreactuated. The drive motor 166 is also stopped when a different buttonis pressed, a predetermined current limit is reached and/or end effector300 has reached its articulation limit.

The anvil assembly 306 and the cartridge assembly 308 of end effector300 are opened by pressing the control button 126. Opening continuesuntil the control button 126 is released, a different button is pressed,a predetermined current limit is reached, and/or end effector 300 hasreached its opening limit.

The anvil assembly 306 and the cartridge assembly 308 of end effector300 are closed to contact tissue therebetween prior to engaging thefiring mode. Prior to closing, surgical instrument 100 verifies whetherthe shaft assembly 200 coupled thereto has been calibrated as describedabove.

Closure is enabled only after calibration of the shaft assembly 200 andwhile surgical instrument 100 is not in the firing mode. Closureoperation may occur when end effector 300 is disconnected, but at aslower rate. The anvil assembly 306 and the cartridge assembly 308 ofend effector 300 are closed by pressing the control button 124. Closurecontinues until the control button 124 is released, a different buttonis pressed, a predetermined current limit is reached, and/or endeffector 300 has reached its closure limit.

Once the anvil assembly 306 and the cartridge assembly 308 are closed,the firing sequence may be initiated. Prior to commencing firing, thesafety switch 132 is engaged, which initiates a safety check algorithm.The safety algorithm verifies whether: 1) shaft assembly 200 isinstalled and calibrated; 2) usage counters of shaft assembly 200 andsurgical instrument 100 are below their limits; 3) end effector 300 isinstalled; 4) end effector 300 has not been previously fired; 5) thecharge level of the battery 156 is sufficient for firing; and 6) endeffector 300 is in the clamped position. If all of the above conditionsare satisfied, then surgical instrument 100 enters the firing mode and acorresponding status pattern is annunciated on the illumination member116 as described above.

Firing is initiated by pressing the control button 124 when end effector300 is clamped and the firing mode is engaged as described above.Continuously depressing the control button 124 advances the clampingmember 365, which simultaneously ejects fasteners and cuts tissue.Firing continues until the control button 124 is released and/or endstop is detected. Firing progress, e.g., distance traveled by theclamping member 365, is indicated by the illumination member 116 asdescribed below.

During firing, the main microcontroller 402 sets a normal speed currentlimit for the drive motor 166 by adjusting the limit control on a motorcontroller circuit coupled to the drive motor 166. While the drive motor166 is set to the normal speed current limit, the main microcontroller402 also monitors the rotational speed of the drive motor 166 anddecreases the firing speed once a velocity threshold associated with thenormal speed current limit is reached. The velocity threshold representsa floor value for the rotational speed range associated with the currentlimit. Once the speed is decreased to a lower speed, the mainmicrocontroller 402 also sets a low speed current limit. As the drivemotor 166 operates at the low speed current limit, the mainmicrocontroller 402 also monitors the rotational speed of the drivemotor 166 and stops the firing process once a velocity thresholdassociated with the low speed current limit is reached.

Pressing of the control button 126 at any time during the firingsequence, exists the firing mode and a corresponding indication isannunciated on the illumination member 116 as described above.Continually depressing the control button 126 while the control button124 is released, retracts the clamping member 365 and once the clampingposition is reached, end effector 300 is opened as described above.

After firing, a completion indication is annunciated on the illuminationmember 116 as described below. The firing counters stored within the IDchips 406 and 408 of surgical instrument 100 and shaft assembly 200,respectively, are incremented after firing as well. Autoclave counterfor surgical instrument 100 is incremented upon shut off and for shaftassembly 200 after initial connection to surgical instrument 100 if itis not one of the last (e.g., five (5)) adapters detected since powerup.

With reference to FIG. 32, the illumination member 116 disposed in thenose cone 114 (see FIGS. 1-3) is bisected by a horizontal plane “H” thatdefines an upper portion 116 b above the horizontal plane “H” and alower portion 116 c below the horizontal plane “H” and by a verticalplane “V.” The illumination member 116 includes white LEDs 117 a, 117 b,117 c, 117 d, 117 e disposed on the upper portion 116 b of theillumination member 116. The LEDs 117 a, 117 b, 117 c, 117 d, 117 e areutilized to indicate firing progress, e.g., distance traveled by theclamping member 365 as well as remaining service life of the of thesurgical instrument 100, as described in further detail below.

The illumination member 116 also includes green LEDs 119 a, 119 b, 119c, 119 d, 119 e disposed on the lower portion 116 c of the illuminationmember 116. The illumination member 116 also includes blue LEDs 121 aand 121 b disposed in the upper portion 116 b of the illumination member116 and at opposed sides thereof (i.e., at opposite sides of thevertical plane “V”). LEDs 119 a-119 e and 121 a-121 b are utilized toprovide various status indicators. As described in detail below, theblue LEDs 121 a and 121 b are used to indicate error states. The nosecone 114 may include markings about the LEDs 119 b, 119 c, 119 dassociating them with the surgical instrument 100, shaft assembly 200,and the end effector 300, respectively. The illumination member 116further includes red LEDs 123 a, 123 b, 123 c also disposed on the upperportion 116 b of the illumination member 116 interspersed between thewhite LEDs 117 b, 117 c, 117 d.

The encoder microcontroller 412 signals the illumination member 116 tooutput a plurality of signal patterns indicative of specific operationalstatuses of surgical instrument 100, e.g., self-test failure, instrument100 end of life indication, shaft assembly 200 uses remaining,calibration failure, state of readiness, progression of firing,instrument 100 uses remaining, etc. as shown in FIGS. 24A-24U.

Positioning of the LEDs about the circumference the nose cone 114 allowsfor the white LEDs 117 a, 117 b, 117 c, 117 d, 117 e to be visible to auser having a line of sight that is above the horizontal plane “H.” Thegreen LEDs 119 b, 119 c, 119 d disposed on the lower portion 116 c ofthe illumination member 116 are visible to users other than the surgeon(e.g., surgical technologist) whose line of sight is below thehorizontal plane “H.” Since the blue LEDs 121 a and 121 b and green LEDs119 a and 119 g are disposed on or above the horizontal plane “H,” theyare visible to the surgeon as well as other users. This allows theillumination member 116 to provide the surgeon with one set of statusindicators, other users with another set of indicators, and the entiresurgical team with a common set of indicators.

FIG. 33A shows a status pattern indicating that the power-on self-testis in progress and/or the control assembly 103 was activated duringpower-up after the battery 156 is inserted. The pattern is displayed bya flashing green LED 119 b.

FIG. 33B shows a status pattern indicating that the self-test atpower-on failed. The status pattern is displayed by solid blue LEDs 121a and 121 b indicative of an error state and a flashing green LED 119 bindicative that the error is pertaining to the surgical instrument 100.The pattern shown in FIG. 33B is indicative of failure of any of thecomponents (e.g., communication interface 413, motors 164 and 166,storage memory 402 b, usage counters, encoders 414 and 416, etc) testedduring the power-on self-test described above.

FIG. 33C shows a status pattern indicating that the battery 156 isdefective. The status indicator is displayed by a solid blue LEDs 121 aand 121 b in response to the battery initialization testing as describedabove. The failure is indicative of any of the following problems withthe battery 156 including, but not limited to, initialization failure,end of life, temperature outside acceptable ranges, low capacity,communication failure, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 33D shows a status pattern indicating that the self-test of thesurgical instrument 100 was successful and provides the remaining usageof the surgical instrument 100. The status indicator is displayed by asolid LED 119 b associated with the surgical instrument 100 and avarying number of solid LEDs 117 a-117 e, as shown in FIGS. 34A-34C.With reference to FIG. 34A, all of the LEDs 117 a-117 e are activated,which is indicative of a high number, or above an upper limit (e.g.,more than 15) of uses still remaining. With reference to FIG. 34B, theLEDs 117 a, 117 b, 117 d, 117 e are activated, with the LED 117 c beingturned off, which is indicative of a medium number of uses remaining,namely between a lower limit and the upper limit (e.g., between 5 and15). With reference to FIG. 34C, the LEDs 117 a and 117 e are activatedand the LEDs 117 b, 117 c, 117 d being turned off, which is indicativeof a low number of uses remaining, namely, low value or below.

FIG. 33E shows a status pattern indicating a number of uses remaining ofthe surgical instrument 100 when the number of uses is below the lowerlimit. The status indicator may be triggered by pressing both controlbuttons 124 and 126 simultaneously after the remaining uses indicatorsdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 33D and 34A-D are shown. Uponactivating the control buttons 124 and 126, the LED 119 b is illuminatedsolidly and the LEDs 117 a-117 e are flashed the number of timescorresponding to the remaining number of uses.

FIGS. 33F and 34D show a status pattern indicative of end of life of thesurgical instrument 100. The status indicator is displayed by flashingall of the LEDs 117 a-117 e, a solid illumination of LEDs 121 a and 121b, and a flashing LED 119 b.

FIG. 33G shows a status pattern indicating that the shaft assembly 200may be coupled to the surgical instrument 100. The status indicator isdisplayed by a solid illumination of LED 119 b that is associated withthe surgical instrument 100 and a flashing LED 119 c that is associatedwith the shaft assembly 200.

FIG. 33H shows a status pattern indicative of a calibration failure ofthe shaft assembly 200. The status indicator is displayed by a solidillumination of blue LEDs 121 a and 121 b indicative of an error state,a solid illumination of LED 119 b that is associated with the surgicalinstrument 100 and a flashing LED 119 c that is associated with theshaft assembly 200. The failure is indicative of any of the followingproblems with the shaft assembly 200 including, but not limited to,time-out during articulation end-stop detection, time-out during firingrod end-stop detection, usage counter of the shaft assembly 200 overlimit, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 33I shows a status pattern indicative that the calibration of theshaft assembly 200 was successful and provides the remaining usage ofthe shaft assembly 200. The status indicator is displayed by a solidillumination of LED 119 b associated with the surgical instrument 100, asolid illumination of LED 119 c associated with the shaft assembly 200,and a varying number of solid illumination of LEDs 117 a-117 e, as shownin FIGS. 34A-C. With reference to FIG. 34A, all of the LEDs 117 a-117 eare activated, which is indicative of a high number, or above an upperlimit (e.g., more than 15) of uses still remaining. With reference toFIG. 34B, the LEDs 117 a, 117 b, 117 d, 117 e are activated, with theLED 117 c being turned off, which is indicative of a medium number ofuses remaining, namely between a lower limit and the upper limit (e.g.,between 5 and 15). With reference to FIG. 34C, the LEDs 117 a and 117 eare activated and the LEDs 117 b, 117 c, 117 d are turned off, which isindicative of a low number of uses remaining, namely, low value orbelow.

FIG. 33J shows a status pattern indicating a number of uses of the shaftassembly 200 remaining when the number of the remaining uses is belowthe lower limit. The status indicator may be triggered by pressing bothcontrol buttons 124 and 126 simultaneously after the remaining usesindicators described above with respect to FIGS. 33I and 34A-D areshown. Upon activating the control buttons 124 and 126, the LEDs 119 band 119 c are illuminated solid and the LEDs 117 a-117 e are flashed thenumber of times corresponding to the remaining number of uses.

FIGS. 33K and 34D show a status pattern indicative of end of life of theshaft assembly 200. The status indicator is displayed by flashing all ofthe LEDs 117 a-117 e, solidly illuminating LEDs 121 a and 121 b, solidlyilluminating LED 119 b, and a flashing LED 119 c.

FIG. 33L shows a status pattern indicating that the end effector 300 maybe coupled to the shaft assembly 200. The status indicator is displayedby a solid illumination of LED 119 b that is associated with thesurgical instrument 100, a solid illumination of LED 119 c that isassociated with the shaft assembly 200, and a flashing LED 119 d that isassociated with the end effector 300.

FIG. 33M shows a status pattern indicative of a failure of the endeffector 300. The status indicator is displayed by a solid illuminationof LEDs 119 b, 119 c, 121 a, 121 b, 117 a-117 c, and a flashing LED 119d. The failure is indicative of any of the following problems with theend effector 300 including, but not limited to, post-firing retractionbeyond full clamp.

FIG. 33N shows a status pattern indicative that the clamp test of theend effector 300 was successful by a solid illumination of LEDs 119 b,119 c, 119 d.

FIG. 33O shows a status pattern indicative of the end effector 300 beingfully clamped (e.g., ready to engage the firing mode). The statusindicator is displayed by a solid illumination of LEDs 119 a-119 e.

FIG. 33P shows a status pattern indicative of the system 10 being infiring mode. The status indicator is displayed by a solid illuminationof LEDs 119 b, 119 c, 119 d and flashing LEDs 119 a and 119 e.

FIGS. 33Q-T show status patterns indicative of the firing progress ofthe end effector 300. Similarly to the firing mode indication of FIG.33P, LEDs 119 b, 119 c, 119 d are solidly illuminated and LEDs 119 a and119 e are flashing, while the LEDs 117 a-117 e are sequentiallyactivated from the outside (e.g., LEDs 117 a and 117 e) until all aresolidly illuminated, indicating completion of the firing progress. Thenose cone 114 may be marked with distance markers (e.g., 30 mm for LEDs119 a and 119 e, 45 mm for LEDs 119 b and 119 d, and 60 mm for LED 119c) as shown in FIGS. 34A-D.

FIG. 33Q shows the outside LEDs 119 a and 119 e being activated at thebeginning of the firing process as the clamping member 365 commences itstravel (e.g., 30 mm). FIG. 33R shows the LEDs 119 a, 119 b, 119 d, 119 ebeing illuminated as the clamping member 365 is at (e.g., 45 mm). FIG.33S shows all of the LEDs 119 a-119 e being illuminated as the clampingmember 365 is fully extended (e.g., 60 mm).

FIG. 33T shows a status pattern indicative of the retraction sequence ofthe clamping member 365 after the firing process is complete. The statusindicator is displayed by a solid illumination of LEDs 117 a-117 e,solid LEDs 119 a, 119 b, 119 c, 119 e, and a flashing LED 119 dassociated with the end effector 300.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. For example, the instrument 100 need notapply staples but rather may apply two part fasteners as is known in theart. Further, the length of the linear row of staples or fasteners maybe modified to meet the requirements of a particular surgical procedure.Thus, the length of a single stroke of the actuation shaft and/or thelength of the linear row of staples and/or fasteners within a disposableloading unit may be varied accordingly. Therefore, the above descriptionshould not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications ofpreferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appendedthereto.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A surgical device, comprising: a jawassembly defining a first longitudinal axis and including a first jawand a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw; an elongated bodydefining a second longitudinal axis and coupled to a proximal end of thejaw assembly, wherein the jaw assembly is configured to articulate aboutan articulation axis transverse to the second longitudinal axis relativeto the elongated body, the elongated body including: an actuation barmovable upon engagement of the jaw assembly with the elongated body tosecure the jaw assembly to the elongated body; a release button coupledto the actuation bar such that the release button is movable by theactuation bar upon engagement of the jaw assembly with the elongatedbody; and a sensor actuatable by the release button being moved by theactuation bar, the sensor configured to transmit a signal indicative ofthe jaw assembly being secured to the elongated body; and a handleassembly coupled to a proximal end of the elongated body and configuredto receive the signal, the handle assembly including at least one motormechanically coupled to the jaw assembly and a control assemblyincluding a first control button and a second control button, whereinactuation of the first control button moves the second jaw inapproximation relative to the first jaw and actuating the second controlbutton moves the second jaw away from the first jaw, and actuating thefirst and second control buttons moves the jaw assembly to a centeredposition in which the first and second longitudinal axes aresubstantially aligned.
 2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1,wherein the control assembly further includes: a first rocker switch,wherein actuation thereof is configured to articulate the jaw assemblyabout the articulation axis.
 3. The surgical instrument according toclaim 1, wherein the jaw assembly is further configured to rotate aboutthe second longitudinal axis relative to the elongated body.
 4. Thesurgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein the control assemblyfurther includes: a second rocker switch, wherein actuation thereof isconfigured to rotate the jaw assembly about the second longitudinal axisrelative to the elongated body.
 5. The surgical instrument according toclaim 1, wherein the handle assembly further includes an illuminationmember configured to output a light pattern indicative of a status ofthe surgical instrument.
 6. The surgical instrument according to claim5, wherein the light pattern includes progressive activation of aplurality of lights and the status is a firing progress of the jawassembly.
 7. The surgical instrument according to claim 5, wherein theillumination member has a substantially circular shape and includes aplurality of light emitting devices disposed about a circumference ofthe illumination member.
 8. The surgical instrument according to claim7, wherein the illumination member includes an upper portion and a lowerportion disposed about a horizontal plane, the upper portion includes afirst plurality of light emitting devices and the lower portion includesa second plurality of light emitting devices.
 9. The surgical instrumentaccording to claim 8, wherein the first plurality of light emittingdevices is visible to a first user having a first line of sight abovethe horizontal plane, and the second plurality of light emitting devicesis visible to a second user having a second line of sight below thehorizontal plane.
 10. The surgical instrument according to claim 9,wherein the illumination member further includes at least one side lightemitting device disposed on the horizontal plane and on each side of theillumination member, the at least one side light emitting device beingvisible to the first and second users.
 11. A surgical device,comprising: a jaw assembly defining a first longitudinal axis andincluding a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the firstjaw; an elongated body defining a second longitudinal axis and removablycoupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly, wherein the jaw assemblyis configured to articulate about an articulation axis transverse to thesecond longitudinal axis relative to the elongated body, the elongatedbody including: an actuation bar movable upon engagement of the jawassembly with the elongated body to secure the jaw assembly to theelongated body; a release button coupled to the actuation bar such thatthe release button is movable by the actuation bar upon engagement ofthe jaw assembly with the elongated body; and a sensor actuatable by therelease button being moved by the actuation bar, the sensor configuredto transmit a signal indicative of the jaw assembly being secured to theelongated body; and a handle assembly removably coupled to a proximalend of the elongated body and configured to receive the signal, thehandle assembly including at least one motor mechanically coupled to thejaw assembly and an illumination member configured to output a lightpattern indicative of a status of the surgical instrument.
 12. Thesurgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein the illuminationmember has a substantially circular shape and includes a plurality oflight emitting devices disposed about a circumference of theillumination member.
 13. The surgical instrument according to claim 12,wherein the illumination member includes an upper portion and a lowerportion disposed about a horizontal plane, the upper portion comprises afirst plurality of light emitting devices and the lower portion includesa second plurality of light emitting devices.
 14. The surgicalinstrument according to claim 11, wherein the first plurality of lightemitting devices is visible to a first user having a first line of sightabove the horizontal plane, and the second plurality of light emittingdevices is visible to a second user having a second line of sight belowthe horizontal plane.
 15. The surgical instrument according to claim 14,wherein the illumination member further includes at least one side lightemitting device disposed on the horizontal plane and on each side of theillumination member, the at least one side light emitting device beingvisible to the first and second users.
 16. The surgical instrumentaccording to claim 15, wherein the at least one side light emittingdevice is configured to output a light pattern indicative of an errorstate with at least one of the jaw assembly, the elongated body, or thehandle assembly.
 17. The surgical instrument according to claim 14,wherein the first plurality of light emitting devices is configured tooutput a light pattern indicative of a firing progress of the jawassembly.
 18. The surgical instrument according to claim 14, wherein thesecond plurality of light emitting devices is configured to output alight pattern indicative of a status of each of the jaw assembly, theelongated body, and the handle assembly.
 19. The surgical instrumentaccording to claim 14, wherein the first plurality of light emittingdevices is configured to output a light pattern indicative of a numberof remaining of uses of at least one of the elongated body or the handleassembly.